AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s House Republican Leader says that criticism of the Public Utility Commission’s decision to limiting funding for energy efficiency programs is unfair.
Rep. Ken Fredette says the panel was right to interpret the law as written when it voted Tuesday to put a $25 million cap on one source of funding for Efficiency Maine Trust. Lawmakers intended for the cap to be set at $60 million, but there was a drafting error in the complex formula for setting the cap.
Democrats say that the commission should have considered legislative intent in its decision. They say efficiency programs are essential to keep energy costs down.
Fredette says he’s working with lawmakers and stakeholders to come up with a solution to the dispute.
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